The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a sweeping immigration regulation requiring every foreign individual who remains in the country for more than 30 days to formally notify federal authorities of their presence.

This newly enacted directive represents one of the most stringent policy steps targeting undocumented migration in recent memory.

Mandatory Enrollment for Extended Stay

Under the latest policy, all non-U.S. nationals who stay in the country beyond 30 days—regardless of how they entered—must register with the federal immigration system. Authorities clarified that those who fail to follow this new mandate will face serious repercussions, including fines, incarceration, deportation, and the risk of being permanently barred from re-entering the country.

The department released details of the regulation through a strongly worded post on social media. The announcement, titled “Message to Illegal Aliens,” tagged both President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. It stated, “Any foreign citizen present in the United States for longer than 30 days must report to the government. Non-compliance is considered a crime punishable by monetary penalties and imprisonment. The directive from @POTUS Trump and @Sec_Noem is clear: Depart immediately or face removal.”

Sanctions for Violations

The policy outlines several strict punishments for individuals who disregard the new rule:

• A daily fine of $998 for persons who stay in the country after receiving final orders for deportation.

• A financial penalty ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for those who pledge to leave voluntarily but fail to follow through.

• Jail sentences for persistent non-compliance.

• Lifetime bans from lawful entry into the United States for repeat offenders.

Homeland Security stressed that postponing registration only worsens the outcome. “The longer you delay, the steeper the penalties and the lower your prospects of ever being allowed back,” the department stated.

Voluntary Departure Program Offered

To encourage people to leave the country without confrontation, DHS introduced a voluntary return initiative, referred to as a “safe departure” option. This measure provides specific incentives for undocumented migrants willing to exit on their own terms. Those who choose this path may:

• Choose their own departure date and airline.

• Keep any lawfully earned income during their stay if they have not been involved in criminal activity.

• Remain eligible for future immigration opportunities, provided their departure is voluntary and timely.

• Apply for government support to fund their trip back home, if financially unable to afford travel.

The department advised people without legal status to act promptly, noting that enforcement efforts will increase significantly in the near future.

Visa Holders Not Yet Impacted—But Must Remain Cautious

DHS clarified that individuals holding valid visas—such as H-1B work permits or F-1 student visas—are not directly affected by this new policy as long as their status remains active. However, the department emphasized that anyone who overstays a visa or whose permit becomes void due to job termination or completion of studies will immediately be considered unlawfully present and subject to the same penalties.

In such cases, these individuals must either depart the country immediately or comply with the new registration requirement to avoid legal action. Officials urged all visa holders to monitor their status closely and ensure they remain compliant.

Part of Broader Immigration Control Efforts

This regulation forms part of a larger agenda by the Trump administration to toughen immigration enforcement nationwide. The administration has increasingly prioritized the detection and removal of undocumented individuals while narrowing the avenues available for asylum seekers and overstaying visitors.

By requiring all non-citizens to report after 30 days, the government aims to monitor and reduce the undocumented population, while discouraging long-term illegal residence through penalties and exclusion.

Key Actions for Immigrants

In light of the sweeping implications of the policy, immigration experts advise all foreign nationals in the United States to take the following steps:

• Double-check your visa status and remain alert to any changes that could affect your legal stay.

• Depart the U.S. on time if your visa or authorization is expiring.

• Seek qualified legal counsel if you are unsure of your immigration standing.

• Avoid acting on unreliable information, especially that found on social media or from unverified sources.

Ignoring the new requirements could lead to serious consequences, both in the short term and for future immigration prospects.